…thoughts from a daughter of the King

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Being Conscientious or In Control?

How do we determine the difference between being conscientious (our part) and being in control (God’s job)?

My first thought was to really think the meaning about these two words. I understand ‘control’ all too well. What about ‘conscientious’?

Conscientiousness is not just about getting to the church on time, in a freshly-ironed outfit. It is a fundamental personality trait that influences whether people set and keep long-range goals, deliberate over choices or behave impulsively, and take seriously obligations to others. Conscientiousness is a key ingredient in success, but the off-the-charts conscientious may court perfectionism by setting their sites too high. www.psychologytoday.com/basics/conscientiousness

Ok. So, we can act deliberately, without having to be in control. In my role as leader at work, I am deliberate over most all of my choices and don’t obligate myself unless I plan to carry through. It is so easy though, to fall into that control trap. Sometimes, at home especially, I find myself controlling things that really don’t matter.

When my daughter was an infant, I read a lot of books with advice for the new mother. Some of the advice was hogwash, but I do remember something that resonated with me. The book suggested that when my husband tried to help – pack the diaper bag, change the diaper, dress the baby – to just accept that how he does it WILL be different than how I do it and that it’s OKAY! Wow, that author knew that ladies usually become Captain Control with their babies and that Dad needed to be cut a little slack!

So how can we determine the difference between conscientiousness and control? I think the key for me is trying to make sure the plumb line is always what God’s wants, not the way I want things to be or I feel comfortable with. Boy, that’s a tough one. It is a constant battle against our flesh to remain Christ-like, but first we must give up the illusion of control. Then we must seek His guidance (through the Word), and ultimately submit to His will.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. ~ Proverbs 19:21 NIV11

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One thought on “Being Conscientious or In Control?”

Thank you for sharing this with us! This has been such a tough question for me – I love how you have explained your ideas on the difference between conscientious and control! Very good! and you have a talent for sharing…… 🙂 a God given talent!